NetX Unveils Entry-level Recovery Appliance

Few things can ruin a network administrator's day like irretrievable data on a client system, particularly if one of those systems sits on the desk of the CEO or other upper-management type. To keep this nightmare scenario from ever coming to pass, NetX Inc. has released its FlexSafe low-cost backup and recovery appliance.

Designed for the quick restoration of client systems, the device is based on Toshiba's Magnia Z310 server hardware and is powered by Altiris Client Recovery Solution software. The combination provides resource-strapped IT departments with an easy-to-use and quick-to-deploy mechanism for dealing with failed workstations and remotely connected PCs.

The company turned to Toshiba's Pentium III-based Z310 for its compact 2U form factor and integrated 802.11b connectivity. The server ships with Altiris' recovery software preinstalled.

NetX states that the product is an ideal recovery platform for all types of businesses, particularly small- to medium-size outfits without dedicated IT staffs. Administrators need only follow rudimentary procedures to connect the appliance to a network and push the client software.

Once up and running, the system takes daily snapshots. End users should notice little to no performance dips during this process, since Altiris' software works in the background and typically consumes only 10%-20% of a system's CPU. Its bandwidth-sipping nature ensures that the process does not bog down the entire network. In the event of a lost connection or network hiccup, the system's "Checkpoint Recovery" feature resumes a backup where it left off.

Should a system fail due to a virus or configuration error, an administrator can access a management console that sports a familiar Windows Explorer-style interface. From there, the admin can restore a PC, rollback to a previously working profile, or access storage statistics and management options.

The appliance also provides Web-based file recovery and options that allow end-users to restore their own systems without IT staff intervention, potentially lessening the burden on IT workers that are all too often already stretched a little too thin.